Cottonwood
Residential growth brings diverse single-family homes and new subdivisions
Cottonwood has homes from the late 1990s and early 2000s as well as new and developing construction. Most are single-family houses in ranch, New Traditional, contemporary and custom styles. These typically cost between $360,000 and $725,000, hovering in the $500,000 range. “This area is going to have people’s second, third or fourth house. Maybe a forever home or a place to retire,” says Jeff White, Realtor for Capital Real Estate Partners. In southwestern subdivisions, four-plex condos and patio-style townhouses are more common. These sell more in the $200,000 to $275,000 range, excluding the Cottonwood Parkview Addition, where patio homes cost as much as $690,000. “If you want to live in this area but don’t have $500,000, you could totally grab one of those condos and still be in the neighborhood,” Muth says.The Paradise Valley subdivision is in development at the intersection of Washington Street and Burleigh Avenue. This 164-acre master-planned community will offer residential, commercial and recreational spaces around a large artificial lake. Buyers choose from six home styles, and lots cost between $90,000 and $250,000.
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Students attend well-rated public schools and colleges
Students attend Solheim Elementary School, which has an A-minus Niche rating. It ranks as the third-best public elementary school in Burleigh County. Next is Wachter Middle School, which has a B-minus, followed by Bismarck High School. The school has a B-plus rating and a Medical Related Careers Department, which allows students to explore healthcare fields through job shadowing and state examinations. The neighborhood is roughly 3 miles from the University of Mary and United Tribes Technical College, which serves over 75 Native nations. Each September, the college hosts an International Powwow, where dancers and singers in traditional regalia compete while skilled artisans sell handmade goods. “One night of the year, you can hear the beating of the drums from here, and it’s actually pretty sweet,” Muth says.
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Warm weather recreation abounds at Cottonwood Park
“We have long winters in North Dakota, so in spring, people really like to get outside,” White says. “If you like to get outside at all, then this really is a great place to live.” The neighborhood’s crown jewel is Cottonwood Park, which offers over 200 acres of natural land and recreational space. Cyclists ride trails while youth leagues compete on the baseball and soccer fields. Cottonwood Pond has public fishing access, and BMX bikers enjoy the city’s only fast track. A volunteer-run racing program runs practices, weekly races and competitions on the track throughout the summer. Nearby, Hidden Star Park has a small playground and picnic shelter.
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Downtown Bismarck and shopping centers are a quick drive away
Cottonwood’s retail options are limited. A new gas station recently opened, and residents might visit 12 Stones Coffee Company for a hot drink. More diverse options are a quick drive away, with shopping centers and downtown Bismarck just 2 miles away. “Bismarck is also small enough that even if I live on the south side and there’s a really good restaurant that’s up north, I’m still going to go there because it might just take me 15 minutes,” White says. Five grocery stores, including Walmart and Sam’s Club, are also within 2 miles. Kirkwood Mall is a popular spot to shop, and downtown has an assortment of laidback pubs and restaurants.
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Main roads connect to bike paths and the city’s airport
Cottonwood residents are car-dependent, and Washington Street, 12th Street and University Drive are the main corridors. The community also has paved bike paths along Burleigh Avenue, University Drive and the neighborhood’s northern border. This trail stretches to the Missouri River, curving around Riverwood Golf Course 2 miles away. The neighborhood is around the corner from Bismarck Municipal Airport but stays out of the flight path. “Every now and then, I’ll hear something go over our heads, but you really don’t notice,” Muth says. Sanford Medical Center and CHI St. Alexius Bismarck Medical Center are 3 miles away.
Written By
Isabel Butler
Photography Contributed By
Joe Kirsch
Video By
Chris Freeman
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Agents Specializing in this Area
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Rebecca Sabot
Rebecca Sabot
Responds QuicklyRE/MAX CAPITAL
(701) 557-8671
40 Total Sales
1 in Cottonwood
$225,000 Price
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Brenda Foster
Brenda Foster
Capital Real Estate Partners
(701) 888-1324
163 Total Sales
4 in Cottonwood
$208K - $605K Price Range
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Darren Schmidt
Darren Schmidt
Oaktree Realtors
(701) 401-0140
379 Total Sales
3 in Cottonwood
$255K - $540K Price Range
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Justin Sackman
Justin Sackman
BIANCO REALTY, INC.
(701) 401-3642
74 Total Sales
1 in Cottonwood
$369,000 Price
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Amy Hullet
Amy Hullet
CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty
(701) 401-8569
309 Total Sales
5 in Cottonwood
$182K - $580K Price Range
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Terry Stevahn
Terry Stevahn
CENTURY 21 Morrison Realty
(701) 401-9154
337 Total Sales
4 in Cottonwood
$325K - $460K Price Range
Schools
Source:
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
- 9th to 12th
- Public
- 6th to 8th
- Public
- K to 5th
- Public
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Parks in this Area
Cottonwood Park
Hidden Star Park
Cottonwood Lake
Southland Park
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
Transit
Reviews
Homes.com Reviews
7/5/2025
Homes.com Review
I love this area. Every neighbor is so friendly and helpful. I had a chance to build elsewhere but chose to build only three doors down. GREAT AREA.
Crime and Safety
| 1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime | Cottonwood | US |
|---|---|---|
| Homicide | 3 | 4 |
| Sexual Assault | 4 | 4 |
| Assault with Weapon | 4 | 4 |
| Robbery | 3 | 4 |
| Burglary | 4 | 4 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 4 | 4 |
| Larceny | 4 | 4 |
| Crime Score | 4 | 4 |
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Cottonwood Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Cottonwood, Bismarck sell after 16 days on the market compared to the national average of 70 days. The median sale price for homes in Cottonwood, Bismarck over the last 12 months is $1,200,000, up 164% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Housing Trends
Median List Price
$1,175,000
Median Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$1,200,000
Median 2 Bedroom Sale Price
$445,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
-2%
Last 12 months Home Sales
26
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
164%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$435
Neighborhood Facts
Number of Homes in Neighborhood
480
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
2005
Months of Supply
0.50
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
2,093
Above the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,658
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,170
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
10,454
Distribution of Home Values
Homes for Sale
Homes for Rent
-
$1,275 - $2,420 per month
- Citadel by Belcastle
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 472+ Sq Ft
- 119 Irvine Loop
- Bismarck, ND
-
$1,355 - $2,431 per month
- The Earl Apartments
- Studio-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 367+ Sq Ft
- 2930 Baltimore Dr
- Bismarck, ND
-
$1,285 - $2,065 per month
- River Ridge Apartment Homes
- 1-3 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 687+ Sq Ft
- 2130 S 12th St
- Bismarck, ND
Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to , an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,920
Median Age
35
Population under 18
25.4%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.7%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$67,258
Below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$79,432
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
94.3%
College Graduates
44.6%
Above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
8.1%
% Population in Labor Force
71.1%
Above the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
19''
Average Winter Low Temperature
3°F
Average Summer High Temperature
85°F
Annual Snowfall
62''
Area Factors
Somewhat Bikeable
Bike Score®
32
/ 100
Car-Dependent
Walk Score®
0
/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Nearby Neighborhoods
Hillside South
Rolling hills suburb with an expansive park and popular summertime aquatic center
Highland Acres
Bismarck’s first major suburban neighborhood built after World War II
Hillside North
Rolling hills suburb near the Capitol Grounds and expansive parks
Wachter
Leafy neighborhood where retail, recreation and residential living blend
Downtown Bismarck
Vibrant retail hub along pedestrian-friendly streets in the heart of Bismarck
Park Hill
Small neighborhood surrounded by busy parks, commercial centers and major roads
Reviews
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